Patron Saints at Work
Well, we've finally reached the last week of summer. Not that the actual season of summer ends this week. That comes with the autumnal equinox on September 22nd. But we all know that once Labor Day weekend arrives, summer's swan song has been sung.
If you can take a couple of steps back and relax a bit at work this week, or if you're just taking some time off, it might be a good time to consider who your patron saint at work might be. We talked about this a bit about a year ago. But I figured if you didn't follow up then, you might have some extra time on your hands this week.
I hadn't really thought about this idea of a patron saint at work until a few years ago, although I was aware that various saints have traditionally been called on as special intercessors in specific circumstances. Some have taken on more than one role. St Joseph, for example, is patron of workers, and is also called on in a special way by fathers.
Their are many other ways we honor patron saints. For example, if your parish is St George's, then St George is the patron saint of your parish. But here we want to concentrate on designating a patron saint for your job or profession. Oh, and you can have more than one if you wish.
If you haven't already designated a specific saint with whom you have a special relationship as the patron saint of your work, your job, you business, etc., you might start considering who that might be by reviewing the patron saints designated by Holy Mother Church for just about any occupation.
Some examples:
I bring this up because many of us have lost the habit of praying to the saints. You don't hear much about the Communion of Saints anymore: the Church Triumphant (those in Heaven), the Church Militant (we here on earth), the Church Suffering (those in Purgatory). Don't lose sight of this fundamental and precious part of our Catholic Faith, as too many Catholics have. Knowing the patron saint of your particular occupation, your profession, your business, and developing a close relationship with that saint in your prayer life will solidify your understanding of the Communion of Saints as well as provide a powerful intercessor in Heaven.
Some other time we'll talk about how any of us can designate a patron saint. For example, I have two patron saints for my business. I've been developing a special relationship with them. I so designated them as patron saints based upon an already established devotion. You can do the same whether or not you own a business. As for having more than one patron saint for your business or occupation, why not? The more the merrier. Frankly, I can use all the intercession I can get. If you agree, and you haven't already done it, start praying to your patron saint at work.
You'll find a comprehensive list of patron saints by clicking HERE.
If you can take a couple of steps back and relax a bit at work this week, or if you're just taking some time off, it might be a good time to consider who your patron saint at work might be. We talked about this a bit about a year ago. But I figured if you didn't follow up then, you might have some extra time on your hands this week.
I hadn't really thought about this idea of a patron saint at work until a few years ago, although I was aware that various saints have traditionally been called on as special intercessors in specific circumstances. Some have taken on more than one role. St Joseph, for example, is patron of workers, and is also called on in a special way by fathers.
Their are many other ways we honor patron saints. For example, if your parish is St George's, then St George is the patron saint of your parish. But here we want to concentrate on designating a patron saint for your job or profession. Oh, and you can have more than one if you wish.
If you haven't already designated a specific saint with whom you have a special relationship as the patron saint of your work, your job, you business, etc., you might start considering who that might be by reviewing the patron saints designated by Holy Mother Church for just about any occupation.
Some examples:
- Bankers and accountants: St Matthew
- Funeral Directors: Joseph of Arimathea
- Dentist: St Appolonia
- Glassworkers: St Luke
- Journalists and Writers: Francis de Sales
- Laborers: St Isidore
- Soldiers: St George; St Martin of Tours
- Librarians: St Jerome
- Scientists: St Albert the Great
- Surgeons: Sts Cosmas and Damian; St Luke
- Students: St Catherine of Alexandria; St Thomas Aquinas
- Carpenters: St Joseph (of course!)
I bring this up because many of us have lost the habit of praying to the saints. You don't hear much about the Communion of Saints anymore: the Church Triumphant (those in Heaven), the Church Militant (we here on earth), the Church Suffering (those in Purgatory). Don't lose sight of this fundamental and precious part of our Catholic Faith, as too many Catholics have. Knowing the patron saint of your particular occupation, your profession, your business, and developing a close relationship with that saint in your prayer life will solidify your understanding of the Communion of Saints as well as provide a powerful intercessor in Heaven.
Some other time we'll talk about how any of us can designate a patron saint. For example, I have two patron saints for my business. I've been developing a special relationship with them. I so designated them as patron saints based upon an already established devotion. You can do the same whether or not you own a business. As for having more than one patron saint for your business or occupation, why not? The more the merrier. Frankly, I can use all the intercession I can get. If you agree, and you haven't already done it, start praying to your patron saint at work.
You'll find a comprehensive list of patron saints by clicking HERE.
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